Govt: Due To The Drought, Wheat Production Will Be Reduced By 20% This Year
President Ghani has previously said that the Afghan government lacks the funds to address the impact caused by the drought.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock said on Sunday estimated that wheat production in the country will be down 20% this year due to drought.
The ministry figures indicate that wheat production in the country could be about 4 million (metric) tons this year, and the drought will reduce wheat yield by 1 million (metric) tons.
Ministry officials said the drought has impacted 75 districts in various parts of the country, making life difficult for farmers and livestock owners.
Akbar Rustami, a spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL), said: “Afghanistan’s annual need is 6.4 million metric tons. Considering the 4 million metric tons of wheat production this year, we will have a deficit of 2 million metric tons.”
According to MAIL officials, the reduction in wheat yield will require Afghanistan to import flour and wheat, which will lead to an increase in wheat prices.
According to information provided by MAIL, 3 million heads of livestock in the country are in danger of dying this year due to a lack of feed and water.
To prevent the loss of livestock and to meet farmers' problems, MAIL said that it has begun the process of distributing animal feed to farmers in cooperation with donor organizations.